One Year of Firsts: Attend a Reading at Taller Puertorriqueno

Day 108

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Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~Author Unknown

I have to say, I never know where I'll end up some days in search of a First. I suppose that's the beauty of this journey. It is in some ways a real life version of the movie "Yes Man".

I say Yes to a lot of things these days before I even know what it is I'm saying yes to. The adventure has never been disappointing.

Today was a perfect example. I was invited to a book reading at Taller Puertorriqueno, (roughly translated I believe it means Puerto Rican Workshop.) It's in the heart of Philadelphia's Latino community in North Philadelphia. I'd been in the area before, but never ventured into this colorful, cultural center.

Gilberto Gonzalez, who grew up in the area, has written a fictional memoir based on some of his rich, raw experiences. We had to laugh when he read from Three Rings about competing with his friends to come up with the best pick up line as the high school girls walked by.

I'm ashamed to say how little of my college Spanish I remember, but I loved hearing Gilberto say the words in Spanish. It was like music. I have no doubt, some passion is lost in the English translation.

Upstairs, there's gallary featuring exhibits of Latino artists.

It was a joy stepping into another culture through words and art and feeling the pride that comes with it.

Once again, I was so glad I said Yes.

Lu Ann Cahn is an Emmy award-winning journalist who's been in the biz for more than 30 years. She's survived motherhood, breast cancer and chasing down bad guys. Now, Lu Ann's trying to complete a year of "firsts." Can she do it? She'll be posting daily here on NBCPhiladelphia.com.